Asymmetrical Balance

Asymmetrical Balance is the balance of a picture through equal visual weight on each side. The Astronomer by Jan Vermeer includes two lines of asymmetrical balance. There is one horizontal line and one vertical line. Jan Vermeer is also known as Johannes Vermeer who is mentioned in our textbook on p. 155 through his artwork called Woman Holding a Balance. In The Astronomer, the horizontal line of symmetry is created by the holder of the globe. It separates the bottom half from the top half of the painting. A vertical line of symmetry is created through the edge of the cupboard in the background. This line shows equal spots of light and dark on each side of the painting. The top left hand corner and bottom right hand corner are shaded darker than the rest of the painting.